Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

What is a common consequence of swine vesicular disease in infected pigs?

1. Difficulty breathing

2. Severe weight loss

3. Formation of vesicles on the snout

4. Sudden death

The correct answer is: Formation of vesicles on the snout

Swine vesicular disease is characterized primarily by the formation of vesicles, which are fluid-filled blisters, typically on the snout and the coronary bands of the hooves of infected pigs. This symptom is a key indicator of the disease and helps in its diagnosis. The presence of these vesicles often leads to discomfort, lameness, and issues with feeding as the pigs may find it painful to eat or walk. While other health issues, such as respiratory problems or sudden death can occur in various diseases, they are not typical presentations of swine vesicular disease. Similarly, weight loss may occur as a secondary effect due to reduced feeding, but it is not an immediate or defining symptom of the disease. Therefore, the formation of vesicles on the snout is the most direct and common consequence recognized in pigs infected with swine vesicular disease.